Final Tier 1 

Environmental Impact Statement

Submitted by:

Arizona Department of Transportation

Multimodal Planning Division

Submitted to:

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Railroad Administration 

ARIZONA PASSENGER RAIL CORRIDOR STUDY

December 2016
Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement

ARIZONA PASSENGER RAIL CORRIDOR STUDY: TUCSON TO PHOENIX

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement

Submitted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (42 USC 4321 et seq.); Federal Railroad 

Administration Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (64 FR 28545, May 26, 1999); Council 

on Environmental Quality’s regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); Federal Transit 

Administration’s Environmental Impact and Related Procedures (23 CFR Part 771).

by the

Federal Railroad Administration

Sponsoring Agency

Arizona Department of Transportation

Cooperating Agencies

Federal Transit Administration

Federal Highway Administration

_______________________________________ Date: _______________

Paul Nissenbaum

Associate Administrator

Federal Railroad Administration

_______________________________________ Date: ______________

Michael Kies

Assistant Director

Arizona Department of Transportation

The following persons may be contacted for additional information concerning this document: 

Ms. Andréa Martin

Environmental Protection Specialist

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Mail Stop 20

Washington, DC 20590

Phone 202.493.6201

Mr. Carlos Lopez, P.E.

Multimodal Planning Division

Arizona Department of Transportation

206 South 17th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone 602.712.4786

This Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) considers development of a passenger rail system

to provide an alternate travel mode that would reduce travel times and improve service reliability 

between Tucson and Phoenix by providing intercity and commuter rail service. This Final Tier 1 EIS 

evaluates the potential effects of a passenger rail system within alternative corridors on land use, 

socioeconomic conditions, environmental justice, public health and safety, parklands, Section 4(f) and 

Section 6(f) resources, air quality, noise and vibration, hazardous materials, geology and topography, 

biological resources, water resources, energy use and climate change, visual and scenic resources, and 

cultural resources.
Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement i

Table of Contents

Record of Decision ............................................................................................................ROD-1

List of Figures..........................................................................................................................viii

List of Tables ..............................................................................................................................x

Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Short Forms...........................................................................xiii

Preface .................................................................................................................................. xviii

Introduction to the Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement........................................xix

1 Purpose and Need ....................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 The Need for Passenger Rail Service............................................................................ 1-2

1.1.1 Commuter Travel Need..................................................................................... 1-4

1.1.2 Intercity Travel Need......................................................................................... 1-6

1.1.3 Need for Improved Connectivity within the Region and Beyond..................... 1-7

1.2 Purpose of a Passenger Rail System in Arizona ........................................................... 1-9

1.3 Program Area of Analysis........................................................................................... 1-10

1.4 Connected Actions..................................................................................................... 1-11

1.4.1 Station Locations............................................................................................. 1-11

1.4.2 Airport Connections........................................................................................ 1-11

1.4.3 Southwest Regional Context........................................................................... 1-12

1.5 Final Tier 1 EIS, Preferred Alternative, and FRA Decision.......................................... 1-12

1.5.1 Modifications to the Tier 1 EIS from Draft to Final......................................... 1-14

2 Alternatives Considered............................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Rail Alternatives........................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Prior Studies................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.3 Alternatives Screening and Selection Process............................................................. 2-2

2.3.1 Level 1 Initial Screening .................................................................................... 2-2

2.3.2 Level 2 Screening............................................................................................... 2-9

2.3.3 Level 3 Screening............................................................................................. 2-11

2.4 Alternatives Evaluated in the Tier 1 EIS..................................................................... 2-12

2.4.1 Yellow Corridor Alternative ............................................................................ 2-14

2.4.2 Orange Corridor Alternative ........................................................................... 2-14

2.4.3 No Build Alternative........................................................................................ 2-15

2.5 Conclusion.................................................................................................................. 2-16

3 Public Agency Coordination ......................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Regulatory Requirements............................................................................................ 3-1

3.2 Agency Coordination.................................................................................................... 3-2
Table of Contents

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement ii

3.2.1 Coordination Plan ............................................................................................. 3-2

3.2.2 Project Kickoff Meeting with Stakeholders ...................................................... 3-6

3.2.3 Corridor Support Team Meetings..................................................................... 3-6

3.3 Public Coordination...................................................................................................... 3-9

3.3.1 ADOT Intercity Rail Study Participation Plan .................................................... 3-9

3.3.2 Public Outreach Techniques ........................................................................... 3-10

3.3.3 Identification of Environmental Justice Populations during Public Outreach 3-10

3.4 Scoping for the Draft Tier 1 EIS.................................................................................. 3-11

3.4.1 Notification Techniques.................................................................................. 3-11

3.4.2 Scoping Activities and Events.......................................................................... 3-13

3.4.3 Public Scoping Comments............................................................................... 3-16

3.5.1 Notification of Public Outreach ...................................................................... 3-19

3.5.2 Alternatives Analysis Events ........................................................................... 3-19

3.5.3 Project Website............................................................................................... 3-21

3.5.4 Results of the Fall 2012-Spring 2013 Public Outreach.................................... 3-22

3.5.5 Spring 2014 Alternatives Analysis Public Outreach ........................................ 3-28

3.6 Public Hearings........................................................................................................... 3-32

3.6.1 Comments on the Draft Tier 1 EIS................................................................... 3-33

3.7 Accommodations for Minority, Low-Income, and Persons with Disabilities ............ 3-40

3.8 Additional Agency Coordination................................................................................ 3-41

4 Transportation Impacts................................................................................................ 4-1

4.1 Service Concept and Travel Forecasting...................................................................... 4-1

4.1.1 Yellow Corridor Alternative .............................................................................. 4-2

4.1.2 Orange Corridor Alternative ............................................................................. 4-5

4.1.3 Travel Demand/Benefits................................................................................... 4-8

4.2 Operational Impacts to Freight Rail Service .............................................................. 4-11

4.2.1 Corridor Alternatives....................................................................................... 4-11

4.2.2 No Build Alternative........................................................................................ 4-12

4.3 Grade Crossing Impacts ............................................................................................. 4-12

4.3.1 Corridor Alternatives....................................................................................... 4-12

4.3.2 No Build Alternative........................................................................................ 4-13

4.4 Rail Service Impacts during Construction .................................................................. 4-13

4.4.1 Corridor Alternatives....................................................................................... 4-13

4.4.2 No Build Alternative........................................................................................ 4-13

4.5 Vehicular Traffic Impacts during Construction .......................................................... 4-14

4.5.1 Corridor Alternatives....................................................................................... 4-14
Table of Contents

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement iii

4.5.2 No Build Alternative........................................................................................ 4-14

4.6 Station Location and Local Parking Impacts.............................................................. 4-14

4.6.1 Corridor Alternatives....................................................................................... 4-14

4.6.2 No Build Alternative........................................................................................ 4-15

4.7 Corridor Cross Sections.............................................................................................. 4-15

5 Existing Conditions and Environmental Consequences ................................................. 5-1

5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.1.1 Regulatory Requirements................................................................................. 5-1

5.1.2 Chapter Organization........................................................................................ 5-2

5.1.3 Resources Eliminated from Study in the Tier 1 EIS........................................... 5-5

5.2 Land Use....................................................................................................................... 5-5

5.2.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ................................................... 5-6

5.2.2 Existing Conditions............................................................................................ 5-7

5.2.3 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 5-13

5.2.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 5-16

5.2.5 Tier 2 Considerations...................................................................................... 5-16

5.3 Socioeconomic Conditions......................................................................................... 5-17

5.3.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ................................................. 5-17

5.3.2 Existing Conditions.......................................................................................... 5-18

5.3.3 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 5-21

5.3.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 5-26

5.3.5 Tier 2 Considerations...................................................................................... 5-27

5.4 Title VI and Environmental Justice............................................................................. 5-28

5.4.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ................................................. 5-28

5.4.2 Existing Conditions.......................................................................................... 5-32

5.4.3 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 5-41

5.4.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 5-43

5.4.5 Tier 2 Considerations...................................................................................... 5-43

5.5 Public Health and Safety ............................................................................................ 5-44

5.5.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ................................................. 5-44

5.5.2 Existing Conditions.......................................................................................... 5-46

5.5.3 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 5-47

5.5.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 5-50

5.5.5 Tier 2 Considerations...................................................................................... 5-52

5.6 Parklands and Recreation Areas................................................................................ 5-52

5.6.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ................................................. 5-53
Table of Contents

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement iv

5.6.2 Existing Conditions.......................................................................................... 5-53

5.6.3 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 5-54

5.6.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 5-57

5.6.5 Tier 2 Considerations...................................................................................... 5-57

5.7 Section 4(f) and 6(f) Resources.................................................................................. 5-58

5.7.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ................................................. 5-58

5.7.2 Existing Conditions.......................................................................................... 5-60

5.7.3 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 5-60

5.7.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 5-65

5.7.5 Tier 2 Considerations...................................................................................... 5-66

5.8 Air Quality .................................................................................................................. 5-67

5.8.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ................................................. 5-67

5.8.2 Existing Conditions.......................................................................................... 5-71

5.8.3 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 5-72

5.8.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 5-74

5.8.5 Tier 2 Considerations...................................................................................... 5-74

5.9 Noise and Vibration ................................................................................................... 5-75

5.9.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ................................................. 5-76

5.9.2 Existing Conditions.......................................................................................... 5-84

5.9.3 Environmental Consequences ........................................................................ 5-86

5.9.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ....................................................................... 5-90

5.9.5 Tier 2 Considerations...................................................................................... 5-92

5.10 Hazardous Materials.................................................................................................. 5-92

5.10.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ................................................. 5-92

5.10.2 Existing Conditions.......................................................................................... 5-95

5.10.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-100

5.10.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-103

5.10.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-103

5.11 Geology, Topography, Soils, and Prime and Unique Farmlands.............................. 5-104

5.11.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-104

5.11.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-106

5.11.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-114

5.11.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-116

5.11.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-116

5.12 Biological Resources ................................................................................................ 5-116

5.12.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-117

5.12.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-123
Table of Contents

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement v

5.12.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-148

5.12.4 No Build Alternative...................................................................................... 5-157

5.12.5 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-157

5.12.6 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-159

5.13 Waters of the US...................................................................................................... 5-160

5.13.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-160

5.13.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-161

5.13.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-162

5.13.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-165

5.13.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-165

5.14 Wetlands.................................................................................................................. 5-166

5.14.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-167

5.14.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-167

5.14.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-169

5.14.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-172

5.15 Water Quality........................................................................................................... 5-172

5.15.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-173

5.15.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-174

5.15.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-177

5.15.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-179

5.15.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-180

5.16 Floodplains............................................................................................................... 5-180

5.16.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-181

5.16.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-181

5.16.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-183

5.16.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-185

5.16.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-186

5.17 Energy Use and Climate Change.............................................................................. 5-186

5.17.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-187

5.17.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-187

5.17.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-189

5.17.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-193

5.17.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-194

5.18 Visual and Aesthetic Scenic Resources.................................................................... 5-194

5.18.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-194

5.18.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-195

5.18.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-203
Table of Contents

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement vi

5.18.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-209

5.18.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-210

5.19 Cultural Resources................................................................................................... 5-210

5.19.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-211

5.19.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-213

5.19.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-215

5.19.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-218

5.19.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-218

5.20 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts / Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of 

Resources ................................................................................................................ 5-219

5.20.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-219

5.20.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-220

5.20.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-220

5.20.4 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-222

5.21 Short-Term Uses vs. Long-Term Productivity .......................................................... 5-223

5.21.1 Methodology and Regulatory Requirements ............................................... 5-223

5.21.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-223

5.21.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-223

5.21.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-227

5.21.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-227

5.22 Indirect and Cumulative Effects............................................................................... 5-227

5.22.1 Methodology and Regulatory Environment ................................................. 5-227

5.22.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 5-229

5.22.3 Environmental Consequences ...................................................................... 5-236

5.22.4 Potential Mitigation Measures ..................................................................... 5-245

5.22.5 Tier 2 Considerations.................................................................................... 5-245

6 Cost Analysis ............................................................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Cost Estimate Methodology ........................................................................................ 6-1

6.1.1 Capital Cost Methodology................................................................................. 6-1

6.1.2 Operating Cost Methodology ........................................................................... 6-3

6.2 Capital Plan .................................................................................................................. 6-3

6.2.1 Capital Costs...................................................................................................... 6-4

6.2.2 Funding Sources................................................................................................ 6-5

6.3 Operating and Maintenance Plan................................................................................ 6-5

6.4 Cash Flow Plans............................................................................................................ 6-8

6.5 Financial Risks and Uncertainties................................................................................. 6-8
Table of Contents

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement vii

7 Comparison of Alternatives ......................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 7-1

7.2 Impact and Performance Comparison......................................................................... 7-1

7.2.1 Community and Other Environmental Criteria................................................. 7-1

7.2.2 Financial Feasibility, Implementation, and Operating Characteristics............. 7-4

7.2.3 Mobility and Safety ........................................................................................... 7-5

7.3 Comparison Summary and Recommended Preferred Alternative.............................. 7-6

7.3.1 Route Options................................................................................................... 7-6

8 Next Steps................................................................................................................... 8-1

8.1 Tier 1 Completion......................................................................................................... 8-1

8.2 Tier 2 Operable Corridor Sections ............................................................................... 8-1

8.3 Additional Studies........................................................................................................ 8-3

8.4 Coordination with Other Studies................................................................................. 8-4

8.5 Mitigation Planning...................................................................................................... 8-4

8.6 Project Commitments.................................................................................................. 8-5

8.7 Phased Implementation............................................................................................... 8-5

8.7.1 Station Locations and Airport Access................................................................ 8-8

References .............................................................................................................References-1

List of Preparers and Reviewers .............................................................................. Preparers-1

Appendices

Agency Comments on the Draft Tier 1 EIS

Public Comments on the Draft Tier 1 EIS

Air Quality

Alternatives Analysis Report and AA Appendix

Biological Resources 

Corridor Aerial Atlas

Cultural Resources

Initial Screening Report and Appendix

Land Use

Public and Agency Coordination

Range of Alternatives Technical Memorandum

Section 4(f) and 6(f) Resources

Socioeconomic Conditions

Title VI and Environmental Justice

Visual and Aesthetic Scenic Resources

Waters of the United States
Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement viii

List of Figures

Figure ROD-1. Existing Railroads within the Study Corridor...................................................ROD-7

Figure ROD-2. Selected Corridor Alternative..........................................................................ROD-9

Figure ROD-3. Possible Implementation Phases...................................................................ROD-45

Figure 1-1. State Map................................................................................................................... 1-3

Figure 1-2. Future Western Regional Rail Network ................................................................... 1-13

Figure 2-1. Route Segments That Define the Range of Alternatives........................................... 2-3

Figure 2-2. Screening Process Developed for the Alternatives Analysis..................................... 2-5

Figure 2-3. Existing Railroads within the Study Corridor............................................................. 2-7

Figure 2-4. Conceptual Alternatives (Level 2).............................................................................. 2-8

Figure 2-5. Alternatives Eliminated from Detailed Study in the Tier 1 EIS ................................ 2-10

Figure 2-6. Corridor Alternatives Studied in Detailed in the Tier 1 EIS ..................................... 2-13

Figure 3-1. Responses by Access Mode ..................................................................................... 3-26

Figure 3-2. Responses by Departure Mode ............................................................................... 3-27

Figure 3-3. Relative Weights of Key Decision Variables ............................................................ 3-31

Figure 4-1. Yellow Corridor Alternative Operational Context ..................................................... 4-4

Figure 4-2. Orange Corridor Alternative Operational Context.................................................... 4-7

Figure 4-3. Cross Section – Single Track .................................................................................... 4-16

Figure 4-4. Cross Section – Double Track .................................................................................. 4-17

Figure 4-5. Cross Section – Station Platform ............................................................................. 4-17

Figure 5-1. Land Ownership and Jurisdiction between Tucson and Eloy .................................... 5-9

Figure 5-2. Land Ownership and Jurisdiction between Eloy and Phoenix................................. 5-10

Figure 5-3. Threshold Minority Populations in the Study Area ................................................. 5-34

Figure 5-4. Threshold Minority Populations in the Tucson Metropolitan Area ........................ 5-35

Figure 5-5. Threshold Minority Populations in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area....................... 5-36

Figure 5-6. Concentrations of Low-Income Populations in the Study Area .............................. 5-38

Figure 5-7. Concentrations of Low-Income Populations in the Tucson Metropolitan Area ..... 5-39

Figure 5-8. Concentrations of Low-Income Populations in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.... 5-40

Figure 5-9. FTA/FRA Noise Impact Criteria ................................................................................ 5-78

Figure 5-10. Vibration Level per Distance from Track Centerline ............................................. 5-82

Figure 5-11. Hazardous Waste and Materials Sites in the Study Area ...................................... 5-97

Figure 5-12. Hazardous Waste and Materials Sites in the Tucson Metropolitan Area ............. 5-98

Figure 5-13. Hazardous Waste and Materials Sites in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area............ 5-99

Figure 5-14. Geologic Features and Prime and Unique Farmlands between Tucson and 

Eloy....................................................................................................................... 5-109

Figure 5-15. Geologic Features and Prime and Unique Farmlands between Eloy and 

Phoenix ................................................................................................................ 5-111
List of Figures

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement ix

Figure 5-16. Vegetation Communities throughout the Study Area......................................... 5-125

Figure 5-17. Wildlife Linkages within the Study Corridor........................................................ 5-130

Figure 5-18. Wildlife Movement Areas within the Study Corridor.......................................... 5-153

Figure 5-19. Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Passenger-Kilometer 

Traveled (PKT)...................................................................................................... 5-192

Figure 5-20. Visual Resources in the Study Area ..................................................................... 5-196

Figure 5-21. Visual Resources in the Tucson Metropolitan Area ............................................ 5-197

Figure 5-22. Visual Resources in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area........................................... 5-198

Figure 5-23. Landscape Characteristics in the Study Area....................................................... 5-199

Figure 7-1. Yellow Corridor Alternative with Route Options....................................................... 7-8

Figure 7-2. Tempe Route Option ................................................................................................. 7-9

Figure 7-3. Pinal Route Option................................................................................................... 7-10

Figure 8-1. Possible Implementation Phases............................................................................... 8-2
Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement x

List of Tables

Table ROD-1. Milestones in the NEPA Process for the APRCS................................................ROD-3

Table ROD-2. Comparison of Environmental Criteria...........................................................ROD-10

Table ROD-3. Public Scoping Comment Themes..................................................................ROD-14

Table ROD-4. Estimated Rail and Auto Travel Times between Tucson and Phoenix ...........ROD-16

Table ROD-5.Year 2035 Tucson-Phoenix Commuter and Intercity Trip Demand ................ROD-17

Table ROD-6.Safety Improvement (per 1,000,000 VMT in 2035).........................................ROD-17

Table ROD-7. Potential Environmental Impacts Analyzed In the Tier 1 EIS and Potential 

Mitigation .........................................................................................................ROD-19

Table ROD-8. Comparison of Community and Environmental Criteria ................................ROD-40

Table 1-1. 2010, 2035, and 2050 Travel Time Comparison for Trips in Study Corridor .............. 1-4

Table 1-2. Projected Population and Employment Growth within the Sun Corridor.................. 1-5

Table 3-1. Agency Roles and Responsibilities.............................................................................. 3-2

Table 3-2. Corridor Support Team Meetings, June 2011............................................................. 3-7

Table 3-3. Corridor Support Team Meetings, August 2012......................................................... 3-8

Table 3-4. Public Scoping Open House and Event Newspaper Advertisements ....................... 3-12

Table 3-5. Public Scoping Open House Locations...................................................................... 3-14

Table 3-6. Public Scoping Events................................................................................................ 3-15

Table 3-7. Public Scoping Comment Themes............................................................................. 3-17

Table 3-8. October 2012 Outreach Newspaper Advertisements.............................................. 3-19

Table 3-9. Fall 2012-Spring 2013 Outreach Events.................................................................... 3-20

Table 3-10. Fall 2012-Spring 2013 Responses by City ............................................................... 3-23

Table 3-11. Fall 2012-Spring 2013 Responses by County .......................................................... 3-24

Table 3-12. Top Ten Commute Cities......................................................................................... 3-25

Table 3-13. Responses by Access Mode .................................................................................... 3-25

Table 3-14. Responses by Departure Mode .............................................................................. 3-26

Table 3-15. Priority of Evaluation Categories............................................................................ 3-28

Table 3-16. Spring 2014 Outreach Events.................................................................................. 3-29

Table 3-17. Paired Comparisons of Select Features.................................................................. 3-31

Table 3-18. Public Comment Themes........................................................................................ 3-39

Table 4-1. Yellow Corridor Alternative Conceptual Stations....................................................... 4-2

Table 4-2. Yellow Corridor Alternative Frequencies.................................................................... 4-3

Table 4-3. Yellow Corridor Alternative Travel Times (Tucson to Phoenix).................................. 4-5

Table 4-4. Orange Corridor Alternative Conceptual Stations...................................................... 4-5

Table 4-5. Orange Corridor Alternative Frequencies................................................................... 4-6

Table 4-6. Orange Corridor Alternative Travel Times (Tucson to Phoenix)................................. 4-8
List of Tables

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xi

Table 4-7. Estimated Rail and Auto Travel Times between Tucson and Phoenix........................ 4-9

Table 4-8. Year 2035 Tucson-Phoenix Commuter and Intercity Trip Demand.......................... 4-10

Table 4-9. Safety Improvement (per 1,000,000 VMT in 2035).................................................. 4-10

Table 5-1. Resources Eliminated from Study in the Tier 1 EIS..................................................... 5-5

Table 5-2. Protected Populations in the Study Area and Corridor Alternatives ....................... 5-32

Table 5-3. Percent Minority for Selected Geographies............................................................. 5-33

Table 5-4. Environmental Justice Block Groups Intersected by the Corridor Alternatives....... 5-41

Table 5-5. Potential At-Grade and Grade-Separated Crossings and Stations by Alternative 

Segment................................................................................................................. 5-47

Table 5-6. Summary of Parks, Natural Areas, and Recreation Areas in the Study Corridors.... 5-54

Table 5-7. National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Criteria Pollutants............................... 5-68

Table 5-8. De Minimis Levels by Type of Pollutant.................................................................... 5-70

Table 5-9. Attainment Status within the Corridor Alternatives................................................. 5-71

Table 5-10. Groundborne Vibration and Groundborne Noise Impact Criteria ......................... 5-79

Table 5-11. Zoned Acreage Data for Category 2 Land Uses ...................................................... 5-83

Table 5-12. Noise and Vibration-Sensitive Land Uses within the Corridor Alternatives........... 5-84

Table 5-13. Train Characteristics ............................................................................................... 5-85

Table 5-14. Estimated Existing Noise Levels within the Corridor Alternatives ......................... 5-85

Table 5-15. Potential Noise Impacts within the Corridor Alternatives...................................... 5-87

Table 5-16. Potential Vibration Impacts within the Corridor Alternatives................................ 5-88

Table 5-17. Regulatory Database Summary .............................................................................. 5-95

Table 5-18. Geologic, Topographic, and Prime/Unique Farmland Resources in the 

Corridor Alternatives ........................................................................................... 5-107

Table 5-19. Wildlife Linkage Zones Intersecting the Yellow and Orange Corridor 

Alternatives.......................................................................................................... 5-129

Table 5-20. Proximity of the Yellow and Orange Corridor Alternatives to Specially 

Designated Lands................................................................................................. 5-131

Table 5-21. Endangered Species Act Species occurring in Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa 

Counties, Arizona, and Their Potential to Occur in the Vicinity of the Yellow 

and Orange Corridor Alternatives ....................................................................... 5-132

Table 5-22. Arizona Species of Special Concern, Highly Safeguarded Native Plants, BLMDesignated Senitive Species, and Pima County-Designated Species of Special 

Concern Potentially Occuring in or near the Yellow and Orange Corridor 

Alternatives.......................................................................................................... 5-137

Table 5-23. Arizona Species of Greatest Conservation Need and Species of Economic and 

Recreation Importance Potentially Occuring in or near the Yellow and 

Orange Corridor Alternatives. ............................................................................. 5-144
List of Tables

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xii

Table 5-24. Special Status Species with Potentially Suitable Habitat in the Vicinity of the 

Yellow and Orange Corridor Alternatives............................................................ 5-147

Table 5-25. Likely Clean Water Act Permitting Scenarios During Tier 2.................................. 5-166

Table 5-26. Potential Wetland Areas within the Yellow and Orange Corridor Alternatives... 5-168

Table 5-27. Floodplain Acreage in the Corridor Alternatives.................................................. 5-183

Table 5-28. US Passenger Travel and Energy Use, Selected Travel Modes, 2010 ................... 5-188

Table 5-29. Average Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Light Vehicles and Rail....................... 5-190

Table 5-30. Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions ................................ 5-230

Table 6-1. Estimated Capital Costs for a Rail System within the Yellow Corridor 

Alternative ............................................................................................................... 6-4

Table 6-2. Estimated Capital Costs for a Rail System within the Orange Corridor 

Alternative ............................................................................................................... 6-5

Table 6-3. Operating Costs for Existing Transit Agencies Using Commuter Rail Service............. 6-6

Table 6-4. Comparative Estimated Annual Operating and Maintenance Costs by Corridor 

Alternative and Service Type ................................................................................... 6-7

Table 7-1. Comparison of Community and Environmental Criteria ............................................ 7-2

Table 7-2. Comparison of Financial Feasibility, Ease of Implementation, and Operating 

Characteristics ......................................................................................................... 7-4

Table 7-3. Comparison of Mobility and Safety Characteristics.................................................... 7-5
Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xiii

Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Short Forms

AA Alternatives Analysis

ACS American Community Survey

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act

ADEQ Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

ADOT Arizona Department of Transportation

ALRIS Arizona Land Resource Information System

AMA Active Management Area

amsl above mean sea level

APRCS Arizona Passenger Rail Corridor Study

APTA American Public Transportation Association

A.R.S. Arizona Revised Statutes

ASLD Arizona State Land Department

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

AWLW Arizona Wildlife Linkages Workgroup

AZGS Arizona Geological Survey

AZPDES Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

AZTDM2 Arizona Statewide Travel Demand Model version 2

BGEPA Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

BLM Bureau of Land Management

BMP best management practice

BRT bus rapid transit

BTU British thermal unit

C candidate (ESA)

CAA Clean Air Act

CAFE Corporate Average Fuel Economy

CAG Central Arizona Governments

CAP Central Arizona Project

CART Central Arizona Regional Transit

CCA candidate conservation agreement

CCAA candidate conservation agreement with assurances

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

CERCLIS Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability 

Information System

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CH4 methane
Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Short Forms

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xiv

CLS Conservation Lands System

CO carbon monoxide

CO2 carbon dioxide

CO2e carbon dioxide equivalents

Corps United States Army Corps of Engineers

Council Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

CST Corridor Support Team

CTPP Census Transportation Planning Package

CWA Clean Water Act

D delisted (ESA)

dB decibel(s)

dBA A-weighted noise level in decibels

DHHS Department of Health and Human Services

DMU diesel multiple unit

DVD digital video disc

E endangered (ESA)

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EJ Environmental Justice

EMU electric multiple unit

EO Executive Order

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

ESA Endangered Species Act

ESRI Environmental Systems Research Institute

et seq. and the following (Latin et sequentes or et sequentia)

oF degrees Fahrenheit

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

FPPA Farmland Protection and Policy Act

FR Federal Register

FRA Federal Railroad Administration

FTA Federal Transit Administration

FY fiscal year

GBN ground borne nose

GBV ground borne vibration

GHG greenhouse gas

GIS geographic information system

GRIC Gila River Indian Community
Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Short Forms

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xv

HS harvest restricted (native plants)

HOV high occupancy vehicle

I-10 Interstate 10

L1UB Lacustrine Limnetic Unconsolidated Bottom (wetland)

L2UB Palustrine Littoral Unconsolidated Bottom (wetland)

Ldn day night noise level

LEP limited English proficiency

Leq equivalent noise level

Lmax maximum pass by sound level

LQG large quantity generator

LUST leaking underground storage tank

LWCF Land and Water Conservation Fund

MAG Maricopa Association of Governments

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act

MF multi family

MJ Megajoule

MOA memorandum of agreement

mpg miles per gallon

mph miles per hour

MPO metropolitan planning organization

MSATs mobile source air toxics

N2O nitrous oxide

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NO2 nitrogen dioxide

NOI notice of intent

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NPS National Park Service

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

NRPR Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation (Pima County)

NWI National Wetland Inventory

NWP Nationwide Permit

O3 ozone

OHWM ordinary high water mark

OU operating unit
Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Short Forms

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xvi

P&R Parks and Recreation Department

PA programmatic agreement

PAG Pima Association of Governments

Pb lead (chemical element)

PCAQCD Pinal County Air Quality Control District

PE proposed for listing as endangered (ESA)

PEL Planning and Environmental Linkages

PEM Palustrine Emergent (wetland)

PFO Palustrine Forested (wetland)

PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

PKT passenger kilometer traveled

PM2.5 particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 microns

PM10 particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns

ppb parts per billion

ppm parts per million

PSS Palustrine Scrub Shrub (wetland)

PUB Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom (wetland)

R2UB Riverine Lower Perennial Unconsolidated Bottom (wetland)

R2US Riverine Lower Perennial Unconsolidated Shore (wetland)

R4SB Riverine Intermittent Streambed (wetland)

R4SBAx Riverine Intermittent Streambed Temporarily Flooded Excavated (wetland)

R4SBJ Riverine Intermittent Streambed Intermittently Flooded (wetland)

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

REC Recognized Environmental Condition

ROW right-of-way

RMS root-mean-square (velocity of gas particles)

RS Recreation Services (City of Tempe)

S sensitive (species)

SAFETEA 

LU

Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users 

(2005)

SCMPO Sun Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization

SDCP Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan

SO2 sulfur dioxide

SF single family

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SR salvage restricted (native plants)

SR State Route
Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Short Forms

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xvii

SRP-MIC Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

spp. species (plural)

ssp. Subspecies

STOPS Simplified Trips-on-Project Software

SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

T threatened (ESA)

TCP traditional cultural property

THPO Tribal Historic Preservation Office

TIP Transportation Improvement Program

Title VI Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load

TNW traditional navigable water(s)

TRI toxic release inventory

TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act

TSDF treatment, storage, and disposal facility

TUS Tucson International Airport

U.S.C. United States Code

UP Union Pacific Railroad

US United States

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USFS United States Forest Service

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS United States Geological Survey

UST underground storage tank

USDOT United States Department of Transportation

var. variety

VASR Visual and Aesthetic Scenic Resources

VdB vibration decibel(s)

VHT vehicle hours travelled

VMT vehicle miles travelled

VOC volatile organic compounds

Waters Waters of the United States

WSC Wildlife of Special Concern (in Arizona)
Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xviii

Preface

The Arizona Department of Transportation, through numerous planning studies, has identified 

the corridor defined by Phoenix and Tucson, the state’s two most populous metropolitan areas,

for investigating potential passenger rail service in the state. This Tier 1 Environmental impact 

Statement (EIS) documents the potential environmental effects of constructing and operating a 

passenger rail system within alternative corridors considered in the Arizona Passenger Rail 

Corridor Study (APRCS), which was undertaken to investigate faster and more reliable travel 

modes between these two cities and intervening points.

The Tier 1 EIS is one of three documents created to satisfy the project planning requirements of 

the lead and cooperating agencies for the APRCS. The Federal Railroad Administration is the 

lead agency, and the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration are 

cooperating agencies for the Tier 1 EIS. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy 

Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq., the EIS looks at the effects that constructing and operating 

a passenger rail system would have on the natural, built, and social environment. It examines 

several alternative solutions developed to meet a recognized transportation need, so that 

decision makers can compare the environmental effects of two corridor alternatives and the No 

Build Alternative. The other deliverables of the APRCS, an Alternatives Analysis (AA) and a 

Service Development Plan (SDP), examine planning, operational, and funding issues in greater 

detail than normally reported in an EIS.

This document describes the potential environmental consequences of a passenger rail system 

within corridors each extending up to 1.0 mile in width. It considers the environmental context 

of each corridor alternative, relative to the intensity of effects anticipated from construction 

and operation of the proposed rail system. The EIS discloses both what is known and, to the 

extent practicable, what is not known about resources in the area, based on readily available 

data. The analysis discusses benefits as well as potential adverse impacts of implementing a rail 

system within each corridor alternative, as compared with taking no action. 

The Draft Tier 1 EIS was circulated for public review and comment between September 11 and 

October 30, 2015, and has been updated and finalized as part of the NEPA process in response 

to comments received. The Final Tier 1 EIS is being published in conjunction with a Record of 

Decision documenting FRA’s selection of a preferred corridor alternative and granting 

environmental clearance for further project development within the selected corridor.

In later phases, one or more design and construction projects for a passenger rail system will 

undergo Tier 2 environmental analysis. The Tier 2 NEPA document(s) will identify projectspecific impacts and provide requirements for mitigating those impacts, allowing a project to be

constructed.
Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xix

Introduction to the Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) current study of methods to move 

passengers between the cities of Tucson and Phoenix builds on work that ADOT and other 

agencies have undertaken in recent years. Because any project or projects resulting from this 

study would likely use federal funds, this Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was 

prepared to satisfy the requirements of NEPA. NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the 

environment in their planning and decision-making through a systematic, interdisciplinary 

approach. Federal agencies assess the environmental impact of proposed actions and 

alternatives with the potential for significant effects on the environment. 

FRA utilizes a “Tier 1” EIS to examine alternative corridors, rather than specific alignments, to 

guide decision-making, encourage coordination between agencies and jurisdictions, preserve 

right-of-way, and identify funding opportunities for future infrastructure projects. Taken 

together, the combined deliverables from the Arizona Passenger Rail Corridor Study (APRCS) 

provide the requisite analysis and preliminary engineering to complete an AA for FTA New 

Starts, along with a Tier 1 EIS and Service Development Plan for FRA. 

This Tier 1 EIS was prepared in conjunction with a New Starts-compatible Alternatives Analysis 

(AA), to satisfy the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) approach to selecting an alternative 

for implementation. New Starts is a capital investment grant program administered by FTA for 

new and expanded rail, bus rapid transit, and ferry systems in key corridors. 

Two different transportation needs—intercity connectivity and commuter mobility—have been 

identified, and two federal agencies are funding the APRCS. FRA is the designated lead agency 

and FTA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are cooperating agencies for the EIS, 

with ADOT serving as the sponsoring agency. Each federal agency has its own process for 

moving a proposed project from an array of possible alternatives to a single alternative, 

although both fulfill the environmental evaluation principles stipulated by NEPA. The APRCS

follows a process designed to meet both agencies’ requirements for identifying a preferred 

alternative that would provide opportunities for intercity connectivity between Tucson and 

Phoenix while enhancing commuter mobility within the same study area. 

Study Location

Arizona, in the southwestern United States (US), is the sixth largest state in area and fifteenth 

most populous. Future growth anticipated within Arizona’s 114,000 square miles, however, can 

only take place within private developable land. Seventy (70) percent of Arizona is either public 

land managed by the Bureau of Land Management or Bureau of Reclamation or protected 

parkland, tribal land, or military facilities. State Trust land administered by the Arizona State 
Introduction

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xx

Land Department (ASLD) makes up another 13 percent and has the potential for future 

development, leaving only 17 percent of the state as private developable land.

Most of that area where growth could occur lies within a megaregion—a network of 

metropolitan areas that share environmental characteristics, infrastructure, economic linkages, 

development patterns, culture, and history—known as the Sun Corridor, where 86 percent of 

the state’s population already resides. This megaregion extends northwest beginning in the 

south at Nogales, through Tucson and Phoenix, and up to Prescott. Over the last decade it has 

been one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

At the heart of the Sun Corridor lie three counties—Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa—containing 

Arizona’s two largest cities, Tucson and Phoenix, and the developing region in between. For the 

APRCS, this most populous area of the state, which also happens to be the area where future 

growth is most likely to occur, was deemed most appropriate to be selected as the study area. 

This three county study area is strategic not only on a state level but also on a regional level. 

Phoenix is the sixth largest city in the US, in both population and land area. It is the only US city 

with a population above 1 million that is not served directly by an intercity or commuter rail 

system. Planned increases in vehicle carrying capacity on the study area roadway network are 

constrained by environmental and jurisdictional issues, while regional growth is projected to 

outpace and exceed the roadway network’s planned optimum capacity.

Final Tier 1 EIS Contents

A detailed description of the transportation problem prompting this Study is contained in 

Chapter 1, Purpose and Need. Additionally, this chapter outlines the revisions made to the 

Draft Tier 1 EIS (DEIS), subsequent to public and agency review and FRA’s selection of the 

preferred alternative, that resulted in the Final Tier 1 EIS (FEIS).

The corridor alternatives examined in the DEIS were selected from a broad range of alternatives 

potentially meeting the purpose and need for a high-capacity transportation connection. The 

extensive process by which these preliminary alternatives were narrowed is described in detail 

in Chapter 2, Alternatives Considered. 

Chapter 3, Public Agency Coordination outlines the extensive outreach efforts that ADOT and 

the federal lead agency have conducted in conjunction with identifying the purpose and need 

for the study and developing alternative transportation solutions. This coordination included

the DEIS being circulated for public and agency review and comment, and public hearings held 

as part of the NEPA process. A brief summary of comments received is included in this chapter 

as well.
Introduction

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xxi

Train and automobile trip durations, passenger service frequency scenarios, and conceptual rail 

station locations and their associated impacts on transportation within the region, along with 

the transportation impacts of the No Build alternative, are explored in Chapter 4, 

Transportation Impacts. 

Many aspects of the natural, social, and built environment could be affected, either positively 

or adversely, both by building and by operating a passenger rail system within the corridor 

alternatives, and by not building one. These are methodically examined in Chapter 5, Error! R

eference source not found., following guidance established by both the study’s federal lead 

agency, FRA, as well as guidance from FTA, for implementing NEPA. As stated above, the 

analysis of potential environmental effects was reported at a corridor-level in this Tier 1 EIS.

Chapter 6, Cost Analysis, provides capital and operation/maintenance cost estimates for a 

passenger rail system. Costs were estimated at a corridor level to provide decision-makers with 

order-of-magnitude information on the potential cost of building, operating, and maintaining a

passenger rail system within the corridor alternatives. 

Information contained in the APRCS AA, as well as in prior chapters of this Tier 1 EIS, is distilled 

and summarized in Chapter 7, Comparison of Alternatives. This chapter compares the three 

alternatives’ potential performance with respect to environmental impacts, financial feasibility, 

ease of implementation, and operating characteristics. FRA used this information, as well as 

agency and public comments on the DEIS, to select and approve a preferred alternative for 

undertaking Tier 2 studies for passenger rail service between Tucson and Phoenix.

Chapter 8, Next Steps, outlines the further steps ADOT and the federal lead agency will need to 

take to advance the APRCS into design of one or more operable segments of a passenger rail 

system that could be developed as individual projects. Subsequent Tier 2 NEPA documentation 

involving more detailed technical analysis of environmental conditions, impacts, and mitigation, 

would be undertaken at the project level. 

The appendices of the FEIS contain comments on the DEIS and responses, background data,

and technical information. The first two appendices consist of agency and public comments 

received on the DEIS, along with FRA’s responses to those comments. Subsequent appendices

are arranged alphabetically, and correspond either to the name of an environmental resource 

section in Chapter 5, or to another EIS chapter. An exception to this is the Corridor Aerial Atlas 

Appendix, consisting of 91 annotated aerial maps of the 1-mile-wide Yellow and Orange 

corridor alternatives that were studied in detail in the Tier 1 EIS over their entire length.
Introduction

Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement xxii

References in the EIS text to chapters, figures, tables, or sections contained within the EIS 

appear in bold type, while EIS appendix names are italicized, and EIS appendix table and figure

numbers are indicated in plain type.